Dr. Steve’s Tips

Help Us ‘Make America Grout Again’

Ever notice how styles in home decorating, like hem lines, change every once in awhile for no apparent reason? Wallpaper was once in, and now it’s way, way out. And, have you ever watched realtors react when they see shiny brass fixtures in bathrooms? You’d think they’re Superman and your fixtures are made of Kryptonite.

To say that wall and floor tile are now undergoing a renaissance is technically a bit of a misnomer given that mosaics have been around for at least 5,000 years and the Renaissance was a bit of a low point. But, best I can tell, the most recent previous peak in their popularity was in the 1950’s and 60’s, at least based on the large quantities of Pepto Bismol Pink, Avocado Green, and Col. Mustard Gold ceramic tiles I see in all your homes. Geez, can’t imagine why people got tired of them.

But it seems like Big Tile recently made a big, albeit unremarkable discovery. Tiles did not have to be solid-colored shiny objects that only come in 4-1/4″ x 4-1/4″ squares! Who knew? They could be much larger, shaped like rectangles, or even come in brick shapes like on the NYC subway system. (Honestly, having grown-up in NYC, yours truly is incapable of getting this new tile craze, associating the subway with graffiti and bad smells that shall go unspecified).

Well, OK, if you’ve seen tile lately you know they’ve made a few more discoveries than that. They’re now making ceramic and porcelain tiles that look like just about anything, like stone, glass, and wood. If you haven’t wandered the tile aisle lately, you just won’t believe it.

There are some places in your home where tile is really the ONLY answer. Anyone who has ever put carpeting in their bathroom has made that mistake only once. And hardwood floors look great in a bathroom, but only until that inevitable day when water leaks from your toilet or sink drain pipes, and you’re faced with the dilemma of trying to make the floor look good again. And, given that we see just about everything, I have no doubt that someday we will run into someone who has tried to use carpeting or hardwood on their kitchen backsplash, but I’m hoping that’s not soon.

So, unless you’re trying to re-create the dome of the Cathedral Basilica on your vaulted ceiling, we at Fix St Louis are the folks to call. Join us as we help Make America Grout Again!

FIX St. Louis is the professional alternative to hiring "Chuck in a Truck" or "Pete in a Pickup," if you know what we mean! Our technicians have at least 10 years of experience, are bonded and insured, and show up at firm, scheduled times. We provide full customer service and guarantee our work for a year.